Online child sexual abuse
Information about online child sexual abuse and how online grooming takes place.
On this page:
What is online child sexual abuse?
What is online child sexual abuse?
Child sexual abuse does not always involve physical contact. It can happen online. Children can become the victims of abuse on the internet. This can happen through social networking sites and apps such as Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram and online games.
This can be done through tablets, mobile phones, and game consoles.
It may involve initial grooming online before contact sexual abuse takes place. The abuse or exploitation may all take place online.
Young people may be persuaded, enticed or forced to:
- Send or post sexually explicit images of themselves
- Take part in sexual activities via a webcam or smartphone
- Have sexual conversations by text or online.
Abusers may threaten to send images, videos, or copies of conversations to the child or young person's friends and family. They may claim they'll only not do this unless they take part in other sexual activities.
Images or videos may continue to be shared long after the sexual abuse has stopped.
Related links
Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre.
Children 1st on 0131 446 2300
Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Childline on 0800 1111
ParentLineScotland on 0800 028 2233
NSPCC 0808 800 5000
